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- 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - A pinch of salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting - Fresh berries for serving To start, I love using day-old brioche or challah bread. This type of bread has a great texture and taste. The stale bread soaks up all the yummy egg mixture. You can cut it into cubes to ensure every piece gets that tasty flavor. Next, you need six large eggs. Eggs help bind the casserole together and create a nice custard texture. Whole milk and heavy cream add richness and creaminess. The combination gives your casserole that decadent feel. For sweetness, I use pure maple syrup. It brings a warm, natural flavor. Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. Ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg give it a cozy, spiced taste. Don’t forget a pinch of salt! It enhances all the flavors. If you want a little crunch, consider adding chopped pecans. They are optional but add a nice texture. Finally, when serving, I like to dust the top with powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch. Fresh berries make a perfect garnish. They add color and a fresh taste to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this easy French toast casserole. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step is key to ensure your casserole comes out easily. 2. Mix the egg and milk mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Add 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s frothy and all ingredients blend well. 3. Combine the bread with the egg mixture: Cut 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread into cubes. Gently fold these cubes into your egg mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for extra crunch. 4. Refrigerate for flavor absorption: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it overnight for even more flavor. 5. Bake the casserole: When you're ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge. Place it in the preheated oven and bake it for 25 minutes covered. Then, carefully take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a firm, custard-like center. - Timing for best results: The key is to bake the casserole until the center is set. Keep an eye on the time to avoid over-baking. - Ensuring a custard-like center: Make sure to whisk the egg mixture well so that it gets nice and fluffy. This helps create that soft custard texture you want. - Tips for even baking: Rotate the casserole halfway through baking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents one side from browning too much. Check out the Full Recipe for more details and enjoy making this tasty dish! To make your French toast casserole even better, think about spices. You can swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. If you want more warmth, add a dash of ginger or cardamom. For sweetness, use brown sugar instead of maple syrup. This adds a deeper flavor. When serving, top your casserole with fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring color and taste. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a sweet touch. For drinks, serve with coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. These pair well and make breakfast feel special. You can prepare this casserole the night before. Just mix the bread and egg mixture, then let it sit in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend. If you need to reheat leftovers, do it slowly in the oven. Set the oven to 300°F and bake until warm. This keeps the texture soft and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Decadent French Toast Casserole guide. {{image_4}} You can change the bread used in this dish. If you do not have brioche or challah, try using sourdough or French bread. These options give a nice texture and flavor. You can also use whole wheat bread for a healthier choice. If you need dairy-free options, choose almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free version. These swaps make the dish lighter but still tasty. Adding chocolate chips or dried fruits can make this casserole even better. Dark chocolate chips add a rich taste. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries give a nice chew. You can mix in these treats right before baking for a sweet surprise. Don’t forget about seasonal fruits! In summer, fresh berries work great. In fall, you can add sliced apples or pears. These toppings not only add flavor but also make the dish look pretty. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer good choices that work just as well. You can even make your own bread if you want a fun challenge. If you need low-sugar modifications, try using less maple syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute, like stevia or monk fruit. These changes keep the dish sweet without all the sugar. You can find the full recipe for this Easy French Toast Casserole to try these variations! To keep your Easy French Toast Casserole fresh, store it well. First, let any leftovers cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works best. Make sure to cover it tightly. This helps keep moisture in and air out, preserving flavor. You can refrigerate the casserole for up to four days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. This way, you maintain the tasty texture. Your French Toast Casserole can last in the fridge for four days. If properly frozen, it can last up to three months. However, always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color, smell, or texture. If it smells off or looks weird, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your dish while it’s fresh for the best taste. To check if your casserole is ready, look for two main signs. First, the top should be golden brown. Second, the center should feel firm when you gently shake the dish. You can also use a food thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures that the eggs are fully cooked. Yes, making it the night before is a great idea! Here’s how to do it step-by-step: 1. Follow the recipe to mix your egg and milk mixture. 2. Combine the cubed bread in the egg mixture as usual. 3. Pour everything into your greased baking dish. 4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 5. Place it in the fridge overnight. This lets the bread soak up the flavors nicely. If you lack brioche or challah, don’t worry! You can use other bread types. Here are some good options: - White bread - Whole grain bread - French bread - Sourdough bread These will still give you a tasty casserole, just with a different texture. Absolutely! You can make your casserole even more exciting. Here are some ideas: - Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for warmth. - Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Mix in fruit like diced apples or bananas for added flavor. Feel free to experiment, as every twist adds its own charm! This blog post covered a delicious French toast casserole recipe. You learned about ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared advice on serving ideas, storage, and variations. Making this dish can be easy and fun. Remember to experiment with flavors and toppings. Whether for breakfast or a treat, it’s sure to delight. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bite!

Easy French Toast Casserole

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Decadent French Toast Casserole that will impress your family and friends! Featuring rich brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard with maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon, this dish is an easy and tasty way to start your day. Learn how to make this irresistible casserole and elevate your brunch game. Click to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a heavenly morning!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

A pinch of salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the mixture is slightly frothy.

      Add the cubed brioche or challah bread into the egg mixture, gently folding to coat each piece thoroughly. If you choose to include pecans, gently fold them into the mixture as well to distribute them evenly.

        Pour the bread and egg mixture into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it's spread out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—allowing for better flavor absorption—or overnight for a more pronounced taste.

          Once ready to bake, place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center has set firmly to a custard-like consistency.

            Upon removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before dusting the top generously with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.

              Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh berries on top. Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you desire an additional sweet kick!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8